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Beyond books & screens: A wake-up call for the future of education
Beyond books & screens: A wake-up call for the future of education

Hindustan Times

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • Hindustan Times

Beyond books & screens: A wake-up call for the future of education

Budget 2025 Gave Us Numbers-But Are We Missing the Narrative? In the Union Budget 2025, the Indian government spent a record ₹ 1.24 lakh crore on education, an unprecedented commitment towards academic infrastructure and digital skilling. But while we take pride in budgetary milestones, we need to pose a deeper question: Are we solving the right problems? From social distancing to screen dependency, we are facing a quiet crisis—one that conventional schools or online platforms aren't equipped to treat.. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The pandemic's scars on kids aren't just academic in nature. They're emotional. Social. Behavioural. From social distancing to screen dependency, we are facing a quiet crisis—one that conventional schools or online platforms aren't equipped to treat. The actual disruption isn't so much in the delivery of education. It's in what kids are no longer being taught: the confidence to talk back, the courage to take charge, the grit to get back up again, and the humanity to understand. That is the deficit we must now remediate-with dispatch. Children need rich and deep literature, not childish: Hindi writer Sushil Shukla 2. Old Schooling: Obsolete Pre-Pandemic, Redundant Post-Pandemic Even prior to the pandemic, our education system was cracking. Rigid syllabi, textbook- based testing, and the one-size-fits-all pedagogy have stifled creativity and critical thinking for years. There is no space in this arrangement for public speaking, debate, people skills, or mock leadership. Kids can pass an exam but not shake hands confidently with someone else. It wasn't that schooling never taught - it just didn't make them ready. And now, post- pandemic, the consequences have worsened. 3. Post-Pandemic Digital Necessity: A Two-Sided Coin COVID-19 sent the world online in an instant. While online classes-maintained continuity of study, they also let the floodgates open to untracked screen time. The outcome? Kids traded real life communication for posts. Engagement for passiveness. Presence for performance data. They've become fluent in swipes and scrolls, but hesitant in human interaction. Comfortable behind screens, but increasingly afraid to speak, present, or lead in real life. This isn't a tech problem. It's a human development crisis. 4. Critical Gaps That Have Quietly Grown Loud What we're facing today isn't just a learning gap-it's a life-skill vacuum. Here's what's missing: Communication Deficit: Children struggle to express thoughts confidently or articulate their ideas in real time. Social Isolation: Lacking group play or stage time, children are no longer able to work together, negotiate, or understand others. Overstimulation, Underdevelopment: Hooked on rapid content and instant answers, attention spans have decreased and level of thinking has decreased. Leadership Loss: Initiatives to lead, direct a team, or make decisions are frighteningly few. Emotional Disconnect: Without repeated face-to-face feedback, kids can't read social cues, manage emotions, or see through others' eyes. CLAT countdown: Your month-by-month preparation plan to ace the exam 5. Why These Gaps Will Shape the Future of a Generation In an era where AI can code, interpret data, and even draft emails- what differentiates us now is no longer what we know, but who we are. Soft skills are no longer luxuries-they're survival skills. World employers aren't after academic toppers alone. They're recruiting communicators, collaborators, and creative thinkers. Universities aren't paying for just test scores. They're paying for personal statements, social contribution, and initiative. The largest tech companies in the world today? Founded by people who first had the courage to speak, pitch, present, and persist. 6. The New Education Imperative: Building Future Humans, Not Just Future Employees The world doesn't require another syllabus. It requires a new system-one that combines IQ and EQ, academics and articulation. We at Oratrics have created this new system. One that combines time-honored oratory techniques, contemporary psychology, and AI-based personal coaching to raise a new crop of expressive, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent human beings. Here's what all schools, parents, and policymakers need to incorporate now: 1. Public Speaking & Vocal Delivery Training 2. Creative Writing & Storytelling as Tools for Thinking 3. Emotional Intelligence Labs & Empathy Circles 4. Leadership Simulations & Team Projects 5. New Age Tools like AI/ML & Mindfulness Training 6. Confidence Coaching & Personality Development Curriculum This isn't enrichment. It's reimagined education. Nalanda University eyes major academic push by adding host of Master's programmes, fellowships & global MoUs 7. A Call to Action for Parents, Educators & Policymakers We stand at a crossroads. The question isn't "How much screen time is too much?" It's "What kind of human time are we making?" Parents-ask not just about marksheets, but also about mindsets and mannerisms. Educators-don't just teach content; craft character. Policymakers-don't just digitize learning; humanize it. Move the discussion from "How well did my child perform?" to "How well can my child communicate, modify, guide, and bond?" 8. Conclusion: Rebuilding With Purpose, Not Repetition The pandemic did not simply disrupt classrooms-it broke open the very foundation of how we raise kids. Now that we are rebuilding, let us not return to what was not working. Let's not merely create literate students. Let's create Future Humans - kids who can speak with authority, lead with empathy, and live with passion. (Author Samad Shoeb is Founder - Oratrics: The Personality School. Views expressed are personal.)

IDBI Bank shares gain as govt nears final stages of stake sale process
IDBI Bank shares gain as govt nears final stages of stake sale process

Hans India

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Hans India

IDBI Bank shares gain as govt nears final stages of stake sale process

Shares of IDBI Bank rose by 4 per cent to Rs 105 apiece on Monday after reports suggested that the government is preparing to invite financial bids for the lender. This move signals fresh momentum in the much-delayed disinvestment process of the bank. However, the share price consolidated later and was trading at Rs 104.26, up by Rs 2.94 or 2.90 per cent on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) around 1:50 p.m. The bank was yet to comment on the reports. According to reports, the Centre is close to finalising the share purchase agreement with potential buyers and may soon seek approval from the ministerial panel that oversees such deals. The IDBI Bank stake sale, which has been delayed multiple times over the past three years, is considered a key part of the government's wider push for privatisation and asset monetisation. At present, the Union government and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) together own nearly 95 per cent of the bank. Of this, 60.72 per cent is up for sale as part of the ongoing disinvestment plan. In a shift from earlier years, the Union Budget 2025 did not set a specific disinvestment target. Instead, the government grouped earnings from disinvestment and asset monetisation under a single category called 'miscellaneous capital receipts,' with a target of Rs 47,000 crore for the financial year. In the last fiscal year, the government managed to raise around Rs 30,000 crore through disinvestment. Officials are hopeful that big-ticket sales like IDBI Bank will help boost revenues in FY26. From a market perspective, IDBI Bank has performed strongly in 2025. Its stock has gained around 35 per cent so far this year. The bank's financial results have also remained solid. In the January-March 2025 quarter (Q4 FY25), IDBI Bank reported a 26 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in net profit at Rs 2,051 crore compared to Rs 1,628 crore in the same period previous year (Q4 FY24). However, the Net Interest Income (NII) dropped 11 per cent to Rs 3,290 crore from Rs 3,688 crore a year earlier.

Govt aims to clear SVB backlog in two years with bulk entry processing
Govt aims to clear SVB backlog in two years with bulk entry processing

Business Standard

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Business Standard

Govt aims to clear SVB backlog in two years with bulk entry processing

The government plans to clear the backlog of Special Valuation Branch (SVB) cases within two years and upgrade customs systems to allow bulk finalisation of Bills of Entry — a significant relief for companies whose imports from related entities are scrutinised by SVB to ensure fair valuation and prevent revenue loss, a senior official said. According to sources, thousands of such cases are pending nationwide, involving companies such as Adani Enterprises, Ambuja Cements, GE Power Services India and Asian Paints, among others. Emails sent to these companies and the Finance Ministry remained unanswered at the time of publishing. The official said the Centre plans to issue a detailed circular on the SVB revamp by July. The new framework will adopt a more consultative approach, with customs engaging importers earlier in the process. It will also reduce paperwork and seek to resolve valuation issues without prolonged disputes. 'While consultations are part of the current SVB process, they often take considerable time due to repeated document checks and extended correspondence. The reforms aim to simplify this by streamlining paperwork, introducing time limits, and using digital platforms for faster resolution,' the official added. These changes align with the Union Budget 2025 proposal to complete provisional assessments within two years — a timeline that would apply to both pending and future SVB matters. As part of the reforms, customs is upgrading systems to allow officers to finalise multiple import shipments at once, instead of handling each shipment individually. 'Previously, customs officers had to finalise each Bill of Entry one by one because each shipment had separate records, values, and duty calculations. The upgraded system will allow officers to upload data for several shipments and finalise them in bulk. This will significantly reduce delays and save time for both customs and importers,' the official said. Another senior official noted that the reforms will address long-standing procedural bottlenecks that persist despite the 2016 guidelines. These include non-issuance of investigative reports to importers, lack of a mechanism to adjust Extra Duty Deposits (EDD) — security deposits collected during investigations — against final customs duty, and delays in show cause notices, adjudication and closure of assessments. Vimal Pruthi, Partner, Customs and Indirect Tax at EY, said there is a strong need to modernise SVB procedures, given the significant backlog. He said that in recent discussions with customs officials, industry stakeholders were informed of efforts to clear pending matters through simplified documentation and faster processes. 'Industry hopes that for future imports, a more trust-based system will be adopted, where importers can submit concise declarations and, unless the declared price is marked as provisional, transactions may move directly to final assessment without lengthy delays,' Pruthi said.

Centre To Hold High-Level Tourism Meeting In Pahalgam In Confidence-Building Push
Centre To Hold High-Level Tourism Meeting In Pahalgam In Confidence-Building Push

News18

time7 days ago

  • Business
  • News18

Centre To Hold High-Level Tourism Meeting In Pahalgam In Confidence-Building Push

Last Updated: The meeting, officials say, is intended not only to serve as a roadmap for tourism revival but also send a clear message---Kashmir is safe, open, and ready to welcome the world In a significant outreach to restore confidence in Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Centre is set to hold a high-level review meeting in the hill town on July 7 and 8. The meet, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, will bring together tourism secretaries from all states, who will pitch proposals to develop one globally iconic tourist destination each. The initiative follows a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other senior officials discussed strategies to reinvigorate tourism across the country. The Centre has since directed states to identify and submit detailed proposals for key destinations, with a focus on international appeal, local uniqueness, and sustainable infrastructure. To support the drive, the government has also roped in a panel of tourism and heritage experts to offer technical and professional guidance. While states like Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are already in advanced stages of proposal development, others such as Bihar have requested additional support. The initiative aligns with the Union Budget 2025's goal of creating 50 iconic tourism sites and complements the recent call by the prime minister during the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting for each state to develop one standout destination capable of drawing global tourists. The government is also exploring plans to host international delegations in J&K as part of its confidence-building efforts. The choice of Pahalgam for the high-profile meeting is deeply symbolic. Known as the 'Valley of Shepherds', Pahalgam is one of Kashmir's most-visited destinations, famous for its alpine meadows, the Lidder River, and its role as the gateway to the Amarnath Yatra. But the area's reputation as a peaceful tourist haven was shaken on April 22 when terrorists attacked tourists, killing 26 people. The fallout has been immediate. Tourist arrivals in Pahalgam nosedived from 18,000 in April to just 3,000 in June, ringing alarm bells in the hospitality sector. To honour those killed in the attack and reassure future visitors, the Jammu & Kashmir administration has discussed plans with the Centre to build a memorial near the site of the incident. The design is currently being finalised, and the structure is expected to be completed within six months. Officials say the memorial will stand as a symbol of resilience and remembrance—a permanent tribute to the lives lost. Shekhawat, who visited J&K recently, reiterated the Centre's commitment to ensuring safety and rebuilding trust among travellers. The upcoming meeting in Pahalgam, officials say, is intended not only to serve as a strategic roadmap for tourism revival but also to send a clear message: Kashmir is safe, open, and ready to welcome the world.

India Gears Up To Launch Landmark Social Security Scheme For Gig Workers
India Gears Up To Launch Landmark Social Security Scheme For Gig Workers

News18

time25-06-2025

  • Business
  • News18

India Gears Up To Launch Landmark Social Security Scheme For Gig Workers

Last Updated: The government plans to extend benefits of Ayushman Bharat to nearly one crore gig and platform workers In a major step toward formalising protection for India's growing gig economy, the government is preparing to roll out a dedicated social security scheme for gig and platform workers under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)—the world's largest publicly funded health insurance program. The announcement, made as part of the Union Budget 2025, marks a watershed moment for the country's informal workforce, which has long remained outside the ambit of structured welfare systems. PM-JAY, also known as Ayushman Bharat, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, and currently provides Rs 5 lakh health insurance per family per year to over 50 crore citizens. Now, the government plans to extend its benefits to nearly 1 crore gig and platform workers—a category that includes delivery personnel, drivers, and freelance service providers across digital platforms. According to sources in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, over 20 lakh gig workers have already registered on the e-Shram portal and will soon be issued unique identification numbers that will link them to welfare benefits. To accelerate this drive, the government has mobilised labour offices, community centres, and EPF offices, alongside a widespread awareness campaign. A formal notification has also been issued to all platform aggregators, directing them to register both themselves and their workers under the upcoming scheme—a move that puts responsibility on companies like ride-sharing apps and food delivery platforms to ensure compliance. India's gig economy is growing rapidly and is projected to reach 23.5 million workers by 2030. While it has created flexible employment opportunities, especially in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and transport, the workforce remains highly vulnerable. Despite their essential contribution to the economy, gig workers have so far operated largely outside the formal social security net. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that the final contours of the scheme are in advanced stages of preparation, with most of the groundwork already complete. 'While many countries are still debating how to bring gig workers under social welfare coverage, India has taken a lead by moving swiftly toward a formalised scheme," said a senior official involved in the process. It is learnt that the scheme could be launched by the end of 2025, but for implementation to begin, an amendment to the existing labour codes may be required — a matter that is currently under consideration. The government is also actively considering adding pension benefits as part of a broader social security package for gig workers. Stakeholder consultations are underway, involving policymakers, labour experts, platform companies, and worker representatives to finalise the modalities. The ambitious move is being seen as part of the Modi government's broader effort to bring economic dignity and structured support to workers on the margins of India's labour economy. If implemented successfully, the scheme could become a global benchmark in gig worker welfare—offering a scalable model for other countries facing similar challenges in the digital labour space. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 25, 2025, 10:11 IST

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